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Engaged. Now what?

Wedding Planning, Engagements

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Right? You have an engagement ring and you’re getting married! It’s so surreal, yet definitely happening, and like it or not, the hours, days, and weeks following that proposal are guaranteed to be a whirlwind. There are so many things to think about, so many people to contact and so much to get done. Don’t be overwhelmed. But let’s not forget to breath. You have plenty of time to plan the rest of your lives and the wedding day, but if you’re like most newly engaged people, you’ll be itching to share the news with all your friends and dive into the actual part headfirst.

Pinterest boards, Instagram, bridal magazines, blogs, dress shopping, venue hunting…the list goes on and on. Years of movies couldn’t have prepared you for what’s to come. Trust us, it’s totally different when it comes to your wedding. While the average engagement lasts a year to a year-and-a-half, there are certain things you’ll want to get done stat — no matter how long you plan on being a fiancé.

Being a wedding photographer for years, I had an opportunity to meet couples, their families and a lot of different vendors. And while talking to them I realize almost all of them have similar issues regarding wedding/engagement planning. I am not a wedding planner, but I do spend quite a bit of time with the couple before and on their wedding day, and like it or not Matt and I are the ones that need to capture your at your best on your wedding day, even when/if things don’t go as planned. That is the reason I put together few of our suggestions what to next after you are engaged. And we highly suggest wedding planner. That way you can fully enjoy your wedding day. Worry less, enjoy more 🙂

Let’s go step by step.

1.Call Your Parents

Or visit them. And your siblings. Unless you are keeping your engagement under wraps for a while. The last place they should have to hear about your new status is on social media, so give them a ring/visit personally and tell them the happy news. Chances are, mom and dad already know what’s up. 🙂

2. Ladies. Get a Manicure

Your hands will be in the spotlight for the next couple of weeks, which means your manicure best be on fleek. Or, if you’re going for the natural look, make sure your nails are clean and shaped. Otherwise, friends will be focusing more on your chipped nail polish than your gorgeous engagement ring. And you don’t want that 🙂

3. Cheers!

Round up some of your best friends and family and go out for a celebratory drink, or have a special date night solo if that’s more your style. You’re engaged, and that’s totally worth toasting.

4. Take A Breather

Don’t jump into wedding planning right away! Take a week or two to let the news really sink in and to just savour the moment.

5. Get Your Ring Sized

If the ring fits, great, and if not, you’ll want to take it to your jeweller stat to get it sized — especially if it’s practically falling off your finger. That happened to me. 🙂

6. Think About A Date

The most desirable wedding dates and venues get booked far in advance so if you’re hoping to get hitched in the next year or two, it’s a wise idea to start thinking about dates now. Find out what works for both your families and if there are any potential conflicts.

7. Research Wedding Venues

You can’t book a date until you’ve nailed down your dream venue and your photographer of course! Do some research online first, or maybe you already have a place in mind and can call to get more information on pricing and availability. Or you can always go to the venue and put yourself on the waiting list. Who knows maybe someone cancel their wedding or postpone.

8. Discuss a Budget

Money talks, but unfortunately, no one likes to talk about money. It can be, well, awkward. However, before you can really move forward with any of your wedding plans, this is a discussion that has to be had, be it between you and your spouse. Just discuss what is the most important for you. Matt and I did the same. We wanted a nice venue, the best photographer (but mine wasn’t available anymore, so don’t wait to book them) and delicious cake!

9. Interview Planners and/or Vendors

If you’re considering bringing a professional planner on board to help with logistics and décor, ask around for references and do a little online research, then set up some interviews. In case you are looking for one I have some amazing ladies to send to you 🙂  A wedding planner is totally worth their weight in gold! Or, for smaller affairs, go directly to the source and check out a few vendors on your own.

Wedding photographer. I would suggest reading this blog post where I explained why your wedding photographer is not just another vendor. 🙂

10. Relax!

Do something fun, just the two of you. Dinner, mini golf, bowling, ice skating, a trip to the beach — whatever floats your boat and brings out the kid in you both. Wedding planning can be insanely stressful or not, depends how you plan things from the beginning. Try to find the humour in things and take some time to laugh, reconnect, etc. Don’t forget this is about you two and remember why you’re getting hitched in the first place.

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